Never too early to think preps

The opening night of the local high school football season is only 50 days away.

Here’s a primer on some games to look forward to during the regular season:

WEEK 1 (Aug. 25)

For the second straight season, Coeur d’Alene opens its schedule with a trip to Folsom (Calif.) High.

It the game is anything like last year — a 55-36 Folsom victory — it deserves to be seen all the way up in North Idaho.

If the regional sports network in Northern California isn’t interested, perhaps the Vikings can pack Dick Haugen along to webcast the game.

If not, or if you need an in-person football fix, Post Falls opens at home vs. Sandpoint.

WEEK 2 (Sept. 1)

The IEL-GSL Challenge begins, with Coeur d’Alene at Central Valley, Lake City vs. Lewis and Clark at Albi Stadium, and Post Falls vs. Mead at Roos Field in Cheney. Last year, Coeur d’Alene drubbed CV, the local LC clubbed the Spokane LC, and Post Falls was roughed up by Mead.

Granted, it’s the first game of the season for GSL schools and the second game for most of the Idaho schools, so take that for what it’s worth.

WEEK 3 (Sept. 8)

For the first time this season, a game is scheduled to be played in Coeur d’Alene.

Also, it’s week two of the IEL-GSL mixer, with Mead at Coeur d’Alene, Central Valley at Lake City and Post Falls at University.

WEEK 4 (Sept. 15-16)

Nonleague play continues, with Coeur d’Alene home vs. Moses Lake on Friday night. The Vikings have dominated this series in recent years, though two years ago Coeur d’Alene scored a narrow 17-14 win at home.

On Saturday, Lake City plays host to Hillcrest of Idaho Falls. Last year, Lake City won at Hillcrest for one of its three victories.

WEEK 5 (Sept. 22)

Coeur d’Alene travels to southwestern Washington to face the Camas Papermakers, who won the Washington state 4A title.

Closer to home, there’s the Battle of the Prairie with Lakeland at Post Falls. And 2A state champion St. Maries travels to 3A Timberlake. Last year, St. Maries routed Timberlake 47-7 at home en route to its first state title.

WEEK 6 (Sept. 29)

Coeur d’Alene gets a talented California team to visit as Capital Christian of Sacramento comes to Coeur d’Alene.

Timberlake visits Lakeland in a matchup Lakeland has dominated of late. Lake City travels to Sandpoint for a matchup with the Bulldogs and a look at the new grandstand at historic Barlow Stadium.

WEEK 7 (Oct. 6)

5A Inland Empire League play begins, with Coeur d’Alene at home against Lewiston, and Lake City traveling to Post Falls. Last year, the Cd’A-Lewiston opener set the tone for the (albeit brief) league season, as Lewiston won 55-51 and went on to win the league title.

St. Maries opens Central Idaho League play at home vs. nemesis Grangeville. Last year, the Lumberjacks won 8-0 at Grangeville on the way to an undefeated season.

WEEK 8 (Oct. 13)

Coeur d’Alene makes its longest league road trip of the season — 2 miles — to Lake City, and Post Falls travels to Lewiston.

In the game that will likely decide the 4A IEL crown, Lakeland visits Sandpoint and its new grandstand. Ditto the Intermountain League crown, when Timberlake treks to Bonners Ferry.

WEEK 9 (Oct. 20)

In the final week of the regular season for most teams, Post Falls travels to Coeur d’Alene, and Lake City is home vs. Lewiston.

Mark Nelke is sports editor of The Press. He can be reached at 664-8176, Ext. 2019, or via email at mnelke@cdapress.com. Follow him on Twitter@CdAPressSports.